Expansion of the UL-CSA International MOU
NORTHBROOK, Ill., - April 21, 2006 - Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL) and CSA International have implemented the full operational expansion of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that allows manufacturers of electrical products to obtain both UL and CSA International certification marks for their products on the basis of a single test program carried out by either organization. The MOU is intended to provide another certification option for those manufacturers who need both CSA International and UL Marks on products sold in the North American market.
This expansion of the MOU now aligns the operational (working) scope with the signed scope of the MOU, initiated between the two certification organizations in November 2003, resulting in a scope that includes all electrical product categories and standards for which UL and CSA International are accredited by both the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Standards Council of Canada (SCC).
This operational scope expansion is in two parts:
- Part 1: Product categories and standards that in general do not require additional verification. These now include all products covered by all published bi-national and tri-national standards, and those covered by North American standards harmonized with IEC standards for which both UL and CSA International are currently participating in the IECEE CB and IECEx Schemes. A complete listing of these product categories and standards is provided in Appendix 1 available on the UL Web site and the CSA International Web site.
- Part 2: Product categories and standards for which both UL and CSA International are accredited (by OSHA in the United States and SCC in Canada) that are not included in Appendix 1, may require initial verification before the data can be accepted by the other organization. This verification requirement decision will be based upon the similarity between the relevant Canadian and U.S. standards and the prior mutual experience between UL and CSA International in the particular product category. Manufacturers are encouraged to contact UL or CSA International to verify that a particular product category and standard not listed in Appendix 1 are within the scope of the MOU.
The UL-CSA International MOU facilitates the sharing of test/certification reports and test data in either of the following situations:
- Concurrent applications by a manufacturer to both UL and CSA International
Manufacturer makes an application with both UL and CSA International, but may select either organization to be the lead organization to carry out the complete test program.
- Use of previously generated reports
The MOU covers reports issued after Jan. 1, 2003. Previously generated reports may be submitted to the other organization at any time.
Note: The acceptance of test reports is based on a full technical review of the provided data for compliance with the requirements, accuracy and completeness. The accepting organization has the right to perform additional evaluation where considered necessary.
Upon successful completion of a single product test program both UL and CSA International process and issue their own certification reports, grant certification, and implement their own appropriate follow-up programs.
UL and CSA International will now accept MOU applications related to all electrical products as specified above and will endeavor to provide expedient and cost effective services to support manufacturers in the United States and Canadian markets.
|
